NEW YORK - An awesome barbecue doesn't have to cost a lot. Just ask celebrity chef Guy Fieri.

Anyone looking for crowd-pleasing dishes that don't cost a fortune this Memorial Day might turn to the spiky-haired TV host, who's known for his turbocharged personality and surfer-like vocabulary. Fieri hosts several programs on the Food Network, including the popular "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." He also hosts NBC's prime-time game show, "Minute to Win It."

His appreciation for down-to-earth food should prove popular this summer, with expenses set to continue climbing across the board. Consumer prices have risen 3.2 percent in the past year, the biggest 12-month gain in two and a half years. Food prices are climbing and with gas averaging close to $4 a gallon, the budget for your summer kickoff may need some trimming.

Even if you want to share your love of a pricey seafood recipe, for example, the cost will be wasted if your guests would prefer something heartier.

The same philosophy applies when grocery shopping. As much as you want to impress your guests, consider when it makes sense to shell out for high-end ingredients and when it's smarter to go for the lower-cost cut of beef. In some cases, subtle differences may be lost in a party environment.

If kids will be among your guests, don't go out of your way to prepare a slew of separate dishes for them. If you keep your menu relatively simple, even the pickier kids will be able to find something they like.

2. Dress-up basics

Burgers, hot dogs and chicken don't cost a lot, but you might fear they're too basic. That's when it's time to play a little dress-up.

Setting out a few unexpected toppings can transform the atmosphere of a barbecue or pool party. If you're grilling hamburgers, for example, Fieri suggests laying out a spread of bacon strips, a couple cheeses, arugula, romaine lettuce and sliced yellow tomatoes. If you add a few mustard options, you'll have a gourmet burger bar.

It won't cost much more, but it will make a big difference.

It's a strategy that can give any standard party menu an interesting twist. If you're grilling chicken or serving some slow-roasted, shredded meat, for example, you should cook batches in a few different marinades or serve a variety of sauces.

3. Portion pricier dishes

If you want to offer a higher-end dish, consider serving it as an appetizer or a side. For example, serving baby back ribs as a main course might destroy your party budget. But passing around a platter as appetizers is a lot more affordable.

You could then serve a more affordable cut of meat as a main course, Fieri said.

When cooked correctly, even the most modest cuts of meat can outshine the priciest ones. Fieri points out that slow-roasting and proper seasoning in particular can work wonders. And if you're serving up sandwiches, remember to slice meat as thinly as possible.

4. Keep sides simple

One way to keep side dishes simple is to serve one vegetable in a variety of ways. So you might buy a big batch of asparagus and make a marinated asparagus salad, asparagus wrapped in bacon and a simple sautéed batch for more finicky eaters.

This could help minimize your spending on groceries because you could work with the spices and ingredients you have in your kitchen.

5. Set out the party ice

Beverages are often an afterthought when drawing up party menus. Hosts often set out some bottles of soda or stock their refrigerators and let guests help themselves.

But even for a casual get-together, Fieri suggests going the extra step and sticking bottles and cans in a big cooler filled with ice. Bagged ice from the supermarket doesn't cost a lot, and Fieri notes the mere visual of the cooler will make a statement.